Trump finalizes rule to make cars less fuel efficient

The U.S. Department of Transportation finalized a rule that substantially relaxes federal fuel economy and emissions requirements for new cars and light trucks. The finalized standard sets a fleet-average target of 34.9 miles per gallon, replacing Biden-era regulations that would have pushed the fleet average to 50.4 mpg by model year 2031. The department characterized the action as one of the largest deregulatory moves of the current administration. The administration projects the revised standards will reduce the upfront cost of new vehicles and announced estimates that the rule would lower the average new-car cost by about $1,300 and save $138 billion over the next five years. Those figures have been challenged by critics who say they understate long-term fuel costs and public-health impacts tied to higher emissions. Automakers responded positively to the change, welcoming standards that are closer to current production capabilities. In contrast, consumer advocacy, health, and environmental groups criticized the rollback. They warned that weaker efficiency rules could increase Americans' fuel spending over vehicle lifetimes, raise health care costs related to air pollution, and worsen climate-related damages. Analysts cited by critics noted the Biden-era rules were expected to save $23 billion in fuel costs overall and about $600 for an individual car owner over a vehicle's lifetime. Public-health organizations voiced sharp objections. Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, argued in a statement that fuel-economy standards have historically reduced pollution and protected public health, and said there is no justification for weakening standards that are technologically feasible. The policy shift leaves federal fuel-economy targets substantially lower than those proposed under the previous administration and sets a new compliance path for automakers and regulators going forward.